MyDogBreeds
Border Collie is originated from United Kingdom but Australian Shepherd is originated from United States. Both Border Collie and Australian Shepherd are having almost same height. Border Collie may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Australian Shepherd. Both Border Collie and Australian Shepherd has almost same life span. Both Border Collie and Australian Shepherd has almost same litter size. Both Border Collie and Australian Shepherd requires Moderate maintenance.
The Border Collie originated in Northumberland and was used to herd livestock. He is particularly well known for his intense stare in controlling the sheep in his care. The name Border Collier wasn’t used until 1915. This was so that the dog could be registered as a separate breed together with other Collie breeds already registered.
Sheepdog trials have been held since 1873. The very name of this dog gives you an inkling as to his heritage, as the word ‘Collie’ refers to sheepdogs and comes from Scottish dialect. Today the Border Collie is recognized as the ultimate sheep-herding dog, with his amazing intelligence and herding skills. The Border Collie was recognized by the American Kennel Club in October 1995.
The Australian Shepherd, known fondly as ‘Aussies’, is actually an American breed, with the first official registry being in the 1950s. Basque Shepherds from Spain settled in Australia at the end of the 19th century, later moving to the United Stated with their dogs in tow. It is from these dogs that the breed originated. In the UK too, this breed of dog has many enthusiastic followers.
For many years, the Australian Shepherd has been recognized for their wonderful abilities as stock- or herding dogs, and today in Australia they continue to work as stock dogs and often take part in herding trials.
More recently, this working dog breed has been selectively bred to develop both Toy- and Miniature Aussies, and the American Stock Dog Registry actually recognizes 3 sizes today.The Australian Shepherd Club of America was also founded in 1957 to promote the breed.
Utterly responsive, intelligent, alert and keen, the medium sized border collie loves nothing more than to be actively working. He requires both mental and physical stimulation. The ideal height for this very intelligent dog is 46 – 53cm and they weigh in at about 14 – 22kg.
People who have been to sheepdog trials can only marvel a this dog and his intense stare, moving the sheep to precisely where his master wants them. The dog has a moderately long and smooth coat with a dense topcoat, with soft weather resistant undercoat. Most common color is black and white but other colors such as chocolate and white, liver and white or blue merle are also seen.
There are a few Border Collies which have a single-colour coat. He has a long feathery tail and the ears can be either erect, semi-erect and in some instances, even dropped. He has brown eyes but sometimes with the Merle Border Collie you can get one eye or part of the eye which is blue.
Border Collies are playful, energetic dogs who just love living in homes where the family involves him in all their activities. Because he is so intelligent, he is demanding of his human family, wanting them to take notice of him and provide him with lots of clever games and sports. If he is left without involvement, he can become frustrated and destructive. That is why it is so important to choose your pet carefully.
These highly energetic dogs require owners who recognize this need and are prepared to provide him with lots of games, walks and runs.
Similar in appearance to the Border Collie, the Australian Shepherd is a medium sized dog and has a medium length coat which is straight to wavy with a weather resistant undercoat. The range of coat colours is amazing, and you’ll find blue, blue merle, black and red merle and all of these are with or without tan points. The Australian Shepherd is a drop-eared breed where prick ears are sometimes seen. Some Aussies are born with naturally bobbed tails while most have full, long tails.
There is variety in the eye colour too, and they are often heterochromatic, which means that they can have two different coloured eyes or the one eye can even be bi-coloured. Most times the eyes are brown, but they can be blue too.
The Border Collie is such an awesome working dog breed, being of tremendous help to farmers. With their endless energy and stamina, given the chance he would want to be working all day. This medium sized dog will need a family where they are hard working and active just like him. He makes a wonderful pet with the right owners and if everyone is active in the family, he becomes your devoted soulmate.
He is sensitive to what his owner wants and that is also because he is highly intelligent. Shower your wonderful pet with lots of love, give him lots of attention and plenty of activities, and you’ll have an awesome friend for life.
The Australian Shepherd is an intelligent dog, learning quickly. As a herding dog, he also has strong guarding instincts and will make a good watch dog. The dog has a balanced, even disposition, and even though he may show some reserve, he is certainly not a shy dog and isn’t aggressive.
Your Aussie is a kind, loving, and devoted pet. He loves his human family and wants to spend lots of time with them. Don’t leave him without human companionship as he craves it and forms strong bonds with his family. Provide him with good care and with lots of fun and games and you’ve got an exceptional friend for life.
If your Border Collie is healthy, he can live to be 14 years of age and longer. There are one or two dog ailments that are more common in this breed, so it is wise to be aware of what can go wrong, although with good care it is highly unlikely.
Primary epilepsy, known as idiopathic epilepsy can be seen in your dog before the age of 5 years, and although a genetic link in border collies has not yet been identified, idiopathic epilepsy is more prevalent in some breeds. Seizures in your dog are caused by electrical disturbances in the brain and treatment may be for life. While epilepsy in dogs can’t be cured, the condition can be managed with medication recommended by your vet and then he can lead a healthy life.
Collies are prone to developing hip dysplasia, which is an inherited condition with abnormal formation of the hip socket. For your pet it can mean lameness as well as painful arthritis. You’ll see your collie dog battling to rise after lying down. It is actually common in lots of dog breeds, but more so in larger breeds.
This is an inherited problem that can lead to your dog going blind. About 70 to 97% of collies in the UK and the United States are affected. Your veterinarian will examine your dog to determine the extent of the defect. It is common in the first year of a dog and can be be prevented if caught early.
Aussies are a healthy breed and won’t cost you a fortune at the vet. However, like every other breed, they are also prone to certain health conditions such as cancer. When choosing a puppy, always look for a good, reputable breeder who can show you health clearances.
This is a dog ailment that can be inherited. It is where the femur doesn't fit properly into the pelvic socket of the hip joint. Also, as the dog ages, arthritis can develop.
Epilepsy an hereditary disorder where the seizures your dog gets can be treated and controlled.
Osteochondrosis Dissecans, commonly known as OCD is an orthopedic condition which comes about because of improper growth of cartilage in the joints. It can cause painful stiffening of the elbow joint for instance.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA is a degenerative eye disorder that can finally lead to blindness. Reputable Aussie dog breeders have their dogs' eyes certified regularly by a veterinary ophthalmologist.
Your newborn Australian Shepherd may well be strong and healthy, but he isn’t immune from life-threatening illnesses. Vaccinations are imperative for your Aussie puppy, with vets usually recommending that puppies be vaccinated for the first time from 6 to 8 weeks of age.
These vaccinations will include the 5-in-one and includes Parvovirus, Distemper, Hepatitis and Parainfluenza. Later on the puppy will get his first rabies shot and he will also require booster vaccinations.
This is a dog that will need plenty of exercise and attention. He won’t do well cooped up in a tiny home. He’ll want lots of place to run and play and with his owners involved in his activities. It is unfair of any dog owner to buy a dog like this and then leave him so that he becomes distressed from being ignored.
Do your dog a favor and see that he is socialized as a puppy and trained as he grows older. Once he has been trained, he becomes a super pet, obedient, sensitive and willing to please.
Border collies shed throughout the year, and with Summer his shedding becomes a bit more. He will require a good brushing at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to ensure that the long hair doesn’t become tangled. He isn’t considered hypoallergenic and is regarded as a safe pet to have for people with allergies.
This high energy working dog will require top quality food from the top brands if you intend feeding him from commercially produced dog food. He will certainly need raw meat added to this food from time to time to ensure you stave off skin problems such as rashes. You can also add in rice, meat and vegetables for variety to ensure his is getting in all the minerals and vitamins he needs. Fresh, cool water should always be available to him day and night.
With his medium length coat, the Australian Shepherd sheds. In fact this particular breed sheds his hair the entire year round, but you’ll notice that with the arrival of Spring, he sheds more as this is when he is losing his Winter coat. You will most certainly need to brush his coat at least 2x a week to get rid of all those tufts of hair and to also prevent matting.
A puppy will need 4 bowls of vet-recommended food a day. How much your adult Australian Shepherd gets will depend on his age, size and activity levels.The quality of food you buy will make a difference as it will keep your Aussie in good shape. Remember to include raw or cooked meat into his diet once a week or so. For more on feeding your Aussie, speak to your vet. Always ensure a constant source of fresh, cool water.
The Australian Shepherd is a strong willed dog, used to playing the dominant role with the herding of livestock. He’ll need firm training and socialization if you want to make him an amicable family pet.
Like many herding dogs, Australian Shepherds are loyal to their family and don’t easily take to strangers. Aussies make awesome companions for families with kids who have been taught how to treat dogs and other pets with kindness and gentleness. Just like a dog needs socialization, a child needs to respect a sleeping, feeding dog and to leave him in peace.